Island Indicators Reports

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ISLAND INDICATORS 2010–2011 Status report on Maine’s year-round island communities A report by the Island Institute ISLAND INDICATORS 2010–2011 A status report on Maine’s year-round island communities

Project Manager: Mary Terry Research: Sarah Curran, Planning Decisions, Inc. Design: Eric Wayne Images: Peter Ralston unless otherwise noted

• Population...... Page 8 • Age...... Page 12 • Educational Attainment...... Page 14 • School Enrollment...... Page 16 • School Funding...... Page 18 • Library Usage...... Page 20 • Voter Turnout...... Page 22

Economic Trends

• Income...... Page 24 • Lobstering & Fishing...... Page 28 • Working-Waterfront Access...... Page 34 • Taxable Sales...... Page 37

Affordability Trends

• Housing...... Page 40 • Property Valuation...... Page 45 • Electricity Rates...... Page 47 • Heating Fuel...... Page 49 • Ferry Transportation...... Page 50

Overview of Island Communities...... Page 53 OVERVIEW

The intent of the expanded biennial compilation of the Island Indica- change over time in order to illustrate the current well-being of these tors report is to underscore the opportunities and challenges facing communities and to identify trends. This update extends beyond the Maine’s 15 year-round island communities. The 2006 Island Indicators key indicators to further describe island issues. Some of the new ma- report was the first analysis of available demographic, economic, and terial is anecdotal and much has been taken from community conver- social data for these communities. The updated 2008 Island Indicators sations and informal surveys. In keeping with tradition, this updated report presented a snapshot of the realities of island communities two version was designed to provide helpful information to those involved years later. This 2010-11 edition includes the latest data and reflects in community initiatives and advocacy efforts.

ANALYSIS OF MAJOR FINDINGS

The picture that emerges from the trends we have analyzed is that, • The median age of islanders is higher than Maine as a whole. although the Maine islands continue to have real challenges such as Maine has the highest median age of any state in the country. aging populations, declining school enrollments, limited employment opportunities and an elevated overall cost of living, we see some im- ■ Islands seem to be aging due to an influx of older portant bright spots. For instance, the one silver lining in the cloud of residents who often become actively engaged in the the Great Recession is that housing costs on islands are more afford- civic and nonprofit life of their communities. able than at any time in the past decade. The lobster industry is, if not thriving, at least healthy and sales are robust. But perhaps the single • Maine ranks 31st in the country in median income but, surpris- most important thing islanders have done during the past decade is to ingly, 11 of 15 year-round island communities have a higher have invested successfully in the education of their students, and this median income than the state as a whole. among all other factors, bodes well for their future. ■ This trend has likely resulted from native and summer islanders, having earned a living elsewhere, returning to or • Overall, Maine island populations have been relatively stable settling on islands. between 2000 and 2010, although individual islands have experienced small increases or decreases.

2 - Overview & Analysis • The economic situation of islanders results, in part, from the • Education is clearly valued in island communities. continued increase in lobster landings. ■ More island residents have college degrees (33%) ■ Islanders represent less than 1% of Maine’s population, than mainland residents (23%). yet hold 9% of the state’s lobster licenses. ■ Fewer island residents are without a high school diploma ■ Costs have increased, but many lobstermen have made up than mainland residents (12% versus 15%). in volume what they have lost from rising fuel and bait ■ From data recently collected through the Island Institute’s costs, and flat or decreasing prices for their landings. scholarship program, we know that island students achieve ■ In 2010, the islands collectively landed over 12 million at or above the Maine state average on standardized tests. pounds of lobsters worth over $40 million. ■ The graduation rate for island high school students is higher than the average in Maine—virtually 100% in • Islanders face higher expenses, especially for energy and trans- recent years. portation. ■ An increasing number of high school graduates from the islands are going to college. ■ Electricity rates on islands range from 16 to 70 cents per kilowatt hour compared to a Maine state average of 16 cents. It is clear that Maine’s 15 year-round island communities face many ■ Oil prices are comparatively higher on islands due to challenges and uncertainties. It is also clear that islanders, both new- transportation costs and lack of volume discounts. comers and those from longtime island families, live in the present ■ Transportation costs related to ferry, parking and freight with an eye toward the future. As this edition of the Island Indicators increase the expense of island living. illustrates, island communities are engaging in comprehensive planning, building affordable housing, investing in community infrastructure and leading the way in preparing their children to compete in the global, digital age.

Overview & Analysis - 3 SUMMARY

Community & Civic Trends • School Funding – In 2008–2009, islands funded 78% of their • Population – Since 1990, island populations overall have in- school budgets locally. State wide, communities funded 53% of creased 5.7% as compared to 8.2% in the state as a whole. Over their school budgets locally. The commitment to school funding that timespan, the populations of Casco Bay and Penobscot Bay reflects strong community support to provide quality educational islands have increased 11.8% and 5.4% respectively. During that experiences for island students. same period, Downeast islands’ populations have decreased 8.1%. Maintaining a critical mass of people is vital to the stability and • Library Usage – Per-capita circulation continues to be higher on sustainability of island communities. islands than in the state as a whole, reflecting a community prior- ity to maintain and enhance island library catalogues and offer- • Age – The median age on islands remains significantly higher ings. Six island communities were in the Maine State Libraries than in the state as a whole. Only Frenchboro and Islesford have per capita “Top 15” lists for 2009, including Program Attendance, median ages below the state median. The other islands are signifi- Library Visits, Circulation and Number of Internet Users. cantly above the state median. This continuing trend may have implications for the strength of island-based workforces, schools • Voter Turnout – In 2008, island voter turnout ranged from 63% and community diversity. on Matinicus to 95% on Monhegan as compared to the state average of 72%. This is in keeping with a high rate of civic engage- • Educational Attainment – More islanders (88%) have attained ment and volunteerism in island schools, local governments and a high-school diploma or college degree than in the state as a island-based nonprofit organizations. whole (85%). • School Enrollment – Island student enrollment declined 11% since 2000, while mainland enrollment declined 6%. Schools are a central component of a year-round island community. Given the small size of many island schools, slight enrollment declines are cause for concern.

4 - Summary Economic Trends

• Income – Among island households with incomes less than $25,000, • Working-Waterfront Access – Under the Working Waterfront Ac- more than half (262 out of 488) are age 65 and older. The 2009 me- cess Protection Program, three island access points have been perma- dian income of island households is more closely aligned with the nently protected. Yet working waterfront on islands remains vulner- median income of the state as a whole ($46,309), slightly more than able to development that could prohibit access for fishing and related reported in the last two Island Indicators reports. Yet, 46% of island marine-based commercial uses. households have an income of less than $50,000. • Taxable Sales – Taxable sales on the islands remain more dependent rd • Lobstering & Fishing – Between 1997 and 2009, fuel costs for the on 3 quarter (summer) and restaurant/lodging sales than the state lobster fishery have risen by 116% (2.2 times) and bait costs have as a whole. Overall, 35% of islands’ taxable sales are derived from risen by 163% (2.6 times) from what they were in 1997. During that restaurant and lodging sales, both weighted heavily toward the sum- same period, the price per pound has decreased 1%. The value then mer tourist industry. This suggests that a drop in taxable sales related rebounded in 2010. In 2009, 78% of all commercial fishing licenses to summer tourism is likely to have a strong negative effect on island issued to island residents were lobster-related, compared to 47% in economies. the state as a whole. Islanders hold 9% (675 out of 7,710) of the state lobster licenses, emphasizing the extremely high reliance on the lobster fishery for island communities. Roughly 15% of island residents hold a lobster license.

Summary - 5 Affordability Trends • Housing – A year-round islander earning the median island income can afford only 76% of the median island home price. Islands have a higher proportion of housing units to residents than the state as a whole, suggesting a high proportion of seasonal housing. In 2010, 63% of housing units on islands were used seasonally, compared with 16% in the state as a whole. There are limited affordable year-round rental homes on islands. The mix of housing stock, the lack of rental units and the relatively strong island real estate market all present challenges for young families to find suitable housing, which in turn influences population stability and growth. • Property Valuation – Since 2001, island property valuation has increased 166% compared with a 114% increase in the state as a whole. Higher property valuations tend to translate into heavier tax burdens for those living on-island and may discourage those who wish to move to an island. • Electricity Rates – Electricity rates on islands continue to be significantly higher than on the mainland, with the exception of the Casco Bay islands and Islesboro. The national average is 11 cents, The New England average is 18 cents, the Maine average is 16 cents, and islands range from 16 to 70 cents per kilowatt hour. On Monhegan, the cost per kilowatt hour is more than four times the state average. • Heating Fuel – Oil is used to heat 85% of island homes and a sample of comparable prices suggests heating oil to be more expensive on islands. This is the first year that heating oil prices have been included as an indicator. In light of the rising cost of heating fuel, this indicator will be tracked in future reports. • Ferry Transportation – Ferries are the lifeline for island communities and the associated costs affect the overall cost of island living. The round-trip cost of taking the ferry to the mainland for a family of four, including all possible discounts, ranges from $14 on Chebeague to $100 on Matinicus. This does not include parking or freight costs. It also does not account for the cost of travel time and the limitations of ferry schedules.

6 - Summary INDICATORS

An indicator is a gauge that says something about a community’s Where 2010 data was not available, we relied on the same Maine condition, much as a thermometer tells us the temperature outside. and U.S. Census data used in the 2006 and 2008 reports statistically Indicators are often used to help a community understand where it is, projected forward. While representing the best available information, where it is going, and how far it is from where it wants to be. There are it must be noted that the data is modeled based on 2000 U.S. Census many different kinds of indicators. Median income, for example, is of- information from Claritas, a marketing research firm that provides ten used as an economic indicator, while voter turnout might be used demographic data extrapolated from the 2000 U.S. Census. Census as a social indicator. Just as a thermometer cannot tell you whether it’s data was not available for Great Diamond Island. For less populated raining, each indicator tells only part of a community’s story. Taken communities such as the islands examined here, the small sample size together, though, a picture begins to emerge. available for economic and social data in the Census may distort the findings. Most of the indicators selected for this edition are the same ones included in previous publications. Heating fuel has been included as The data for this series of reports is difficult to obtain. In many cases, a new indicator in this edition. The selected indicators met the fol- the data was not available for all of Maine’s year-round islands. Maine lowing criteria: the data behind them had to be relevant, meaningful, state data, often gathered at the municipal level, exclude Cliff Island, reliable and accessible. By necessity, these represent only a few among Peaks Island, Great Diamond Island and Chebeague Island prior to many possible indicators and convey an incomplete, simplified over- 2007. These communities were included within a larger mainland view of 15 complex island communities. Given those limitations, the municipality; Portland in the case of Cliff, Peaks, and Great Diamond; indicators viewed as a whole can further our understanding and pro- Cumberland in the case of Chebeague. Chebeague Island became an vide a basis for thoughtful discussion about ways to support Maine’s independent town in mid-2007 and now maintains its own municipal unique year-round island communities. Data compiled over several data. State data for Great Cranberry and Islesford is combined as they years is useful in identifying trends and predicting further change. are both part of the town of Cranberry Isles.

In this expanded edition, we have added anecdotes and contextual The indicators are grouped into three central categories: community data to better tell the story behind the indicators. Much of the ad- and civic trends, economic trends and affordability trends. Much of ditional information included has been gathered from conversations the data is organized and presented by embayment. Casco Bay in- with islanders, island community meetings and materials shared by cludes Chebeague, Cliff, Great Diamond, Long and Peaks; Penobscot islanders. It is provided to help frame the indicators within the con- Bay includes Isle au Haut, Islesboro, Matinicus, Monhegan, North text of island living. Haven and Vinalhaven; and Down East includes Frenchboro, Great Cranberry, Islesford and Swan’s Island. Data for population, income, age and home ownership reported in the 2010 Island Indicators report is based on the newly released 2010 Decennial Census information providing a full 10-year picture for evaluation and a useful window into community trends.

Indicators - 7 COMMUNITY & CIVIC TRENDS

Population

The 2010 U.S. Census data indicates that TotalTotal Population Population 1990 1990 2000 2000 2010 2010 % Change% Change (1990 (1990 - 2010) - 2010) since 1990, the population on the islands overall has increased 5.7%, compared to an AllAll Islands Islands 4,1934,193 4,487 4,487 4,433 4,433 5.7%5.7% 8.2% increase in the state as a whole. StateState of Maineof Maine 1,227,928 1,227,928 1,274,923 1,274,923 1,328,361 1,328,361 8.2%8.2%

Source: 2010 U.S. Census

Population by Embayment, 1990-2010 4,487 5,000 4,433 4,193 4,500 4,000 The increase occurred predominantly in the 2,424 3,500 Casco Bay and Penobscot Bay regions, which 2,302 3,000 1,597 2,184 saw 11.8% and 5.4% increases in population re- 2,500 1,570 spectively, compared with the Downeast islands, 2,000 1,428 which saw an 8.1% decrease overall. 1,500 581 1,000 493 534 500 0 Casco Bay Penobscot Bay DownDowneast East All Islands

1990 2000 2010

Source: 2010 U.S. Census

8 - Community & Civic Trends Population % Change by Embayment, 1990-2010

15.0% 11.8%

10.0% 8.2% 5.4% 5.7% 5.0%

0.0%

-5.0%

-10.0% -8.1%

Casco Bay Penobscot Bay Down East All Islands Maine Source: 2010 U.S. Census Among individual islands, Chebeague, Long Island, Frenchboro, Isle au Haut, Matinicus, North Haven, Vinalhaven, Peaks and Great Diamond all experienced an increase in population between 1990 and 2010, while the Cranberry Isles, Swan’s Island, Monhegan, Islesboro and Cliff all experienced an overall decrease in population.

The initial population projections, based on Claritas, a marketing firm providing demographic projections based on the 2000 U.S. Census, indicated that since 1990, the population on the islands had increased approximately 13% compared to 8% in the state as a whole. These projections estimated an increase in Casco Bay and Penobscot Bay regions of 18% and a decrease in the Downeast islands of 22%. The actual 2010 U.S. Census data indicates a narrower gap in the population change over the past 10 years.

The overall population increase indicates islands are holding their own in terms of numbers. However, the demographics of age and income are shifting.

Community & Civic Trends - 9 Total Population, 1990-2010 1,400

1,200

1,000

800

600

400

200

0 Great Swan’sSwans North Cranberry Great IslesfordIsleford Vinalhaven Peaks Islesboro Chebeague Long Island Monhegan Cli Matinicus Isle au Haut Frenchboro Cranberry Island Haven Isles Diamond 2010 47 94 1,165 864 566 332 341 355 230 141 69 71 74 73 61 91 2000 54 74 1,235 843 603 327 356 381 202 128 75 87 51 79 38 82 1990 n/a n/a 1,072 775 579 348 337 332 201 189 88 87 67 46 44 28 Source: 2010 U.S. Census

Over the past 20 years, island populations have fluctuated. In in population in 2000 followed by a slight decrease over the next 10 Casco Bay, all of the islands, with the exception of Cliff, have seen a years. The notable decrease was on Monhegan, with a loss of 21.6% population increase. Great Diamond Island experienced a population of year-round residents over the 20-year period. Down East is a bit increase of over 225%, likely due to a shift from a seasonal population more complicated. The Cranberry Isles decreased in population by to a more year-round population. Penobscot Bay has, overall, 25.4% and Swan’s Island decreased by 4.6%. However, Frenchboro’s increased in population. For this region, Census data shows a spike population increased 38.6%.

Data Sources and Limitations Source: U.S. Census, http://factfinder.census.gov and http://factfinder2.census.gov/

10 - Community & Civic Trends Supporting Information

Islands do not have a mechanism to conduct an annual population “There has been a gradual increase in part-time residents over survey. There are also issues in how the year-round population is de- fined. The U.S. Census is the count of people residing in each house- the last 10 years. There is an increase in retirees who usually hold or location as of April 1 of the Census collection year. One of spend two-thirds to three-fourths of the year on the island.” the limitations of this process is that people self-report their place of —Duncan Bond, Frenchboro residence and the process may not include people who are off-island such as students, vacationers or people who winter off-island.

An informal survey of island leaders in April of 2011 provided the island estimates used in the following graphics. While these estimates do not reflect a formal census process, they do provide a sense of the population by island as viewed by islanders.

2010 U. S. Census compared to Island Estimates 2010 U.S. Census compared to Island Estimates 2010 U. S. Island Estimate, Island 1300 Census spring 2011 1200 Vinalhaven 1165 1335 1100 1000 Peaks Island 864 950 900 Islesboro 566 630 800 700 Chebeague 341 393 600 North Haven 355 350 500 Swan's Island 332 345 400 300 Long Island 230 200 200 Cranberries 141 120 100 0 Great Diamond 91 100 Monhegan 69 60 Cli

Islesboro Matinicus Matinicus 74 50 Vinalhaven Chebeague Long IslandCranberries Monhegan Isle auFrenchboro Haut Peaks Island North Swan'sHaven Island Great Diamond Cliff 71 47 Isle au Haut 73 47 2010 U.S. Census Island Estimates,Reported Census, spring 2011 spring 2011 Frenchboro 61 44

Source: 2010 U.S. Census; Island Institute Informal Island Survey, spring 2011 Source: Island Institute Informal Island Survey, spring 2011

Data Sources and Limitations Source: U.S. Census, http://factfinder.census.gov and http://factfinder2.census.gov/, Island Institute, Telephone Survey Community & Civic Trends - 11 Age Since 1990, the islands as a whole have seen a decrease in the population aged 54 and younger and an increase in the population aged 55 and older.

Population by Age, 2010

2.2% 2.3% 100% 5.2% 7.0% 90% 8.5% Population By Age, All Islands, 1990-2010 11.9% 80% 85 + 14.5% 1,000 75-84 years old 900 70% 18.8% 800 65-74 years old 700 60% 16.5% 600 55-64 years old 500 400 50% 16.8% 45-54 years old 300 12.9% 200 35-44 years old 100 40% 11.0% 0 18-34 years old <5 5-17 18-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65-74 75-84 85 + 30% 19.6% 5-17 years old years years years years years years years years 14.4% old old old old old old old old 20% <5 years old 15.4% 10% 13.9% 1990 2000 2010 5.2% 4.1% 0% Maine All Islands

Source: 2010 U.S. Census

Compared to the State of Maine as a whole, the islands have larger percentages of older populations and lower percentages of younger populations. In particular, the islands have more residents between the ages of 55-84 (37.7% on islands and 28.2% in the state as a whole), and fewer residents age 18-45 (42.4% on islands and 49% in the state as a whole). The number of children age five and under on islands has dropped from 263 in 1990 to 180 in 2010. This group represents 5.2% of the population of the state as a whole and 4.1% of the island population.

12 - Community & Civic Trends 2000–2010

“The island continues to have fewer families with young children… the number keeps getting smaller every year.” —Vern Ziegler, Islesboro

Change in Median Age, 2000 - 2010 Median Age Median Age Island 2010 2000 Change (Years) Chebeague 57.9 49 8.9 Cliff 53.3 45.5 7.8 Great Diamond 60.3 48.7 11.6 Long Island 52 44.3 7.7 In 2010, most of the islands had median ages older than the Peaks Island 51.3 42.4 8.9 state as a whole; only Frenchboro and Islesford have lower Isle au Haut 49.5 41.5 8 median ages. Overall, the change in median age for the state as Islesboro 52.1 45.9 6.2 a whole was 4.1 years, while islands ranged from -16.3 (French- Matinicus 47 47.8 -0.8 boro) to 11.6 (Great Diamond). The state of Maine’s median age Monhegan 45.8 48.5 -2.7 remains significantly higher than the U.S. median. North Haven 44.5 38.7 5.8 Vinalhaven 45.1 40.2 4.9 A measure of a community’s vitality is an upcoming generation Cranberry Isles 47.7 45.5 2.2 of active participants and workers to succeed its elders. A higher Frenchboro 27.2 43.5 -16.3 median age within a community threatens this process. Great Cranberry 58.5 51 7.5 Islesford 41 43.3 -2.3 Swan's Island 46.3 40.9 5.4 State of Maine 42.7 38.6 4.1 U.S. 37.2 35.3 1.9 Source: 2010 U.S. Census

Data Sources and Limitations Source: U.S. Census, http://factfinder.census.gov and http://factfinder2.census.gov/

Community & Civic Trends - 13 Educational Attainment

More island residents have college degrees (33%) than in the state placed on education within a community and is often related as a whole (23%). Relatively fewer island residents have less than a to changing demands for skills and knowledge within a local or high school diploma (12% for islands versus 15% for the state). regional workforce.

Educational attainment examines the number of people in a Educational attainment may also reflect an influx of older people community over the age of 25 who have obtained a high school who have earned a college degree. diploma or higher and how many have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher. The level of educational attainment relates to the value

Educational Attainment

120%

100% 23% With bachelor's or 33% higher 80% 7% With as sociate's 6% 60% With high school 40% 49% 55% Without high 20% school diploma 12% 15% 0% Islands Maine

Source: Claritas

Data Sources and Limitations Source: Claritas, http://www.claritas.com/MarketPlace/Default.jsp Claritas, a marketing research firm, provides demographic projections based on the 2000 U.S. Census. 14 - Community & Civic Trends “…we still have so much to learn. As college students we have the opportunity to take classes completely foreign to us, and as a result, begin to realize all that we don’t know.” —Flora Drury, Vinalhaven, graduate of Connecticut College

Supporting Information:

It is impossible to determine the exact value a community places on education. Yet, anecdotally, we know that island families participate in island schools at a very high level. Island school graduations are often community events, where fishermen end their workday early to participate, extended family members provide snacks, and the celebration has become a tradition. In talking with islanders, it is clear that island children are valued members of the community. The increase in island students’ applications to the Island Institute’s Scholarship Program–up to more than 90 applicants per year—is one measure that illustrates the importance of higher education in islanders’ lives.

Data Sources and Limitations Island Institute Community & Civic Trends - 15 Island School Enrollment

Island schools are critical to Island Student Resident Enrollment island sustainability. Overall, 2008/2009 School Year the number of students on the Early K-5 Grades 6-8 Grades 9-12 Total islands has declined by 11% since 2000. During that same Oct Apr Oct Apr Oct Apr Oct Apr period, the number of students Chebeague 23 24 14 14 8 8 45 46 in the state as a whole declined by 6%. Given that most island Cliff 6 5 n/a n/a n/a n/a 6 5 schools are small, even slight declines in student population Long Island 13 12 6 5 11 12 30 29 are cause for concern. Peaks Island 48 51 n/a n/a n/a n/a 48 51

Isle au Haut 5 5 3 3 4 5 12 13

Islesboro 27 25 23 22 28 28 78 75

Matinicus 5 5 1 1 2 1 8 7

Monhegan 3 3 2 2 0 0 5 5

North Haven 23 23 11 11 29 28 63 62

Vinalhaven 85 84 43 46 66 67 194 197

Cranberry Isles 8 8 4 3 7 6 19 17

Frenchboro 8 10 4 3 0 0 12 13

Swan's Island 24 22 7 7 16 17 47 46

=Attending school on-island

=Attending school off-island

16 - Community & Civic Trends Supporting Information:

The table below shows resident enrollment for 2000 and 2008 and Three islands, Islesboro, Vinalhaven and North Haven have island illustrates the changes. Data for Peaks, Cliff and the Diamonds is high schools. The Cranberry Isles, Frenchboro, Isle au Haut, Matini- a part of larger Portland numbers and is not available at the island cus, Monhegan and Swan’s Island all have middle schools. The Dia- level. The data for Chebeague was, during this time period, a part of mond Islands in Casco Bay have no school. Cumberland data. Like Peaks and Cliff islands, the Diamond Islands are a part of the City of Portland and the Portland school system. All students on the Resident School Enrollment 2000-2008 Diamonds and middle and high school students from Peaks and Cliff Resident Enrollment 2000-2008 commute, via ferry and bus, to Portland to attend school.

1000 For island communities where there is no middle school or high school, students attend school on the mainland. For some of the more 100 remote islands, students attend boarding school or stay with a family member to attend a mainland public school. 10 Students attending private school are not necessarily included in the 1 resident enrollment numbers as private schools are not required to report. Swan's Islesboro Matinicus Vinalhaven Isle au Haut Frenchboro Monhegan North Haven Swan’s IslandCranberry Isles Cliff, Frenchboro, Matinicus, Monhegan and Isle au Haut all maintain Oct-00 Oct-08 multi-grade one-room schoolhouses. Islesford has a two-room multi- Source: Maine Department of Education grade school.

Data Sources and Limitations Data Sources and Limitations Sources: Maine Department of Education, Island Institute http://www.maine.gov/education/data/studentdata.htm

Public School Enrollment is reported by Maine public school system schools twice a year: on October 1 and April 1. These are “snapshot” counts of the student population on these dates, and are used to determine state subsidy amounts.

Resident counts are based on where the students live. Private schools are not required to report.

Community & Civic Trends - 17 Island School Funding

State school funding is based on property tax valuation. Because the islands have high property valuations, they generally receive less state aid for education. In 2008–2009, the islands funded 78% of their school budgets locally; the state provided 22% of funding. By comparison, the state provided an average of 53% of funding to school systems across Maine.

As evidenced in past Island Indicators reports, this significant local financial support underscores the fact that island communities maintain a strong commitment to keeping their schools open.

Island Education Funding Overall State Education Funding

22%

47% 53%

78%

State Share Local/Island Share State Share Local Share

Source: Maine Department of Education

Data Sources and Limitations Sources: Maine Department of Education, http://www.maine.gov/education/data/studentdata.htm and General Purpose Aid for Local Schools Curtailment Estimate

18 - Community & Civic Trends Supporting Information: Fiscal Year Subsidizable Pupils Per Pupil Operating Costs The Maine Department of Education collects and School Department Elementary Secondary Elementary Secondary publishes data for each school district related to pub- Chebeague 27 11 $16,042.44 $0.00n/a lic school operating costs, including a cost per pupil. Long Island 18.5 11.5 $17,821.30 $8,372.52 The data reflected below lists the 2009-2010 Per Pupil Portland Public Schools 4724 2148.5 $10,242.45 $12,487.45 Subsidizable Operation Expenditures including Spe- 2 2 cial Education and CTE (Vocational), excluding major Cliff Cliff 6 n/a $19,616.67 n/a capital outlay, debt service, transportation and federal The DiamondsThe Diamonds3 3 n/a0 n/a0 n/a n/a expenditures. This data was as of January 2011 and Peaks IslandPeaks2 Island2 50 $14,399.52 n/a reflect the 2009-2010 school year. Isle au Haut 6 4.5 $24,322.03 $11,762.24 Islesboro 44 26 $18,869.56 $24,047.28 School funding is a complicated issue and this table Matinicus (MSAD 65) 5.5 2 $20,084.05 $8,718.45 provides only one view of school spending on the local Monhegan1 2.5 1 n/a n/a level. There are many school costs that are mandated by state and federal regulation and fall beyond local North Haven (MSAD 07) 41 18.5 $19,796.16 $36,853.79 community control. In looking at the cost per pupil, Vinalhaven (MSAD 08) 122.5 51 $9,825.91 $20,676.21 economy of scale is a critical factor. Smaller schools Cranberry Isles 8 8 $34,547.87 $8,374.02 have some base operational costs that must be spread Frenchboro 13.5 n/a0 $8,549.15 $0.00 across a smaller student group. Yet, with the exception Swan's Island (MSAD 76) 33 14.5 $19,568.95 $10,471.85 of the Portland City islands of Peaks, Cliff and the Dia- Maine 127,684.50 60,318 $9,064.77 $10,831.95 monds, island residents do have some choices around their school budget. Looking at this data coupled with Source: Maine Department of Education the indicator that island communities pay 78% of the 1School Administrative Unit has not submitted or successfully submitted data into the MEDMS Financial System cost to fund their local school, it appears that island by the December 1, 2010 data download date. communities make spending choices to support their 2Per-pupil cost excludes travel, overhead administration, special education, bilingual services and maintenance as local schools. those costs are centralized in the Portland School System. Note: middle and high school students take the ferry to the Portland Bay Lines terminal and are then bused to school.

3The Diamond Islands have no school; students attend Portland public schools and the per-pupil cost is aggregated within the Portland school budget.

Data Sources and Limitations Sources: Maine Department of Education, May 4, 2011 http://www.maine.gov/ education/data/ppcosts/2010/saujan2011.pdf Portland Public School, May 4, 2011 http://www.portlandschools.org/News/Budget%20updates/FY2010%20Bud- get%20Documents/FY10%20Approved%20Budget%2005_12_2009.pdf

Community & Civic Trends - 19 Island Library Usage

In 2009, overall per-capita circulation of library materials was higher on the islands than in the state as a whole.

Island libraries were well represented among the Maine State Libraries per-capita “Top 15” lists for 2009, including program attendance (six islands in the top 15), library visits (five islands), circulation (eight islands) and number of internet users (six islands). The libraries on Frenchboro, Monhegan, Islesford, Long and Chebeague made all four of those lists.

2009 Per- Capita Circulation of Library Materials

20.0

15.0

10.0

5.0

0.0 Islands Maine towns with Maine towns with population less than 1000 population 1000-2499

Source: Maine State Library

Data Sources and Limitations Source: Maine State Library http://www.maine.gov/msl/libs/statistics/index.htm 20 - Community & Civic Trends Photo by Donna Wiegle

Supporting Information:

Another indication that libraries are important to island communities is the amount of local support that island libraries receive. On Swan’s Island, the Atlantic Schoolhouse, built in 1903 and housing the library, museum and historical artifacts, was destroyed by fire in July of 2008. The community immediately began a plan to rebuild. Under the leadership of the Swan’s Island Educational Society, the community secured a USDA Rural Development Grant and conducted a fundraising drive to construct a new building. In August of 2010, ground was broken with much community fanfare including the participation of U.S. Senator Susan M. Collins and USDA Rural Development Regional Director Virginia Manuel. The opening celebration of the completed library was held in July of 2011. Among many great features, the new Swan’s Island Library provides public meeting space, free wireless Internet access, shelving space and a recognition of the community’s history.

Source: http://www.swansisland.org/sies.htm, http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/me/newsletters/Rural%20Resources/November%20News%20from%20USDA%20Rural%20De- velopment.htm Community & Civic Trends - 21 Voter Turnout

Voter turnout is often used as an indicator for civic engagement. 2008 was an extraordinary year for voter turnout, with 76% of voters statewide participating. In 2008, as in 2004, voter turnout in most of the island communities exceeded that of the state as a whole and suggests a high rate of civic engagement in the forms of volunteerism in island schools, local governments and island-based nonprofit organizations.

VoterVoter Turnout Turnout

100% 80% Maine 2008: 76% 60% Maine 2004: 72% 40% 20% 0%

Long Matinicus Islesboro Vinalhaven ChebeagueIsle au HautFrenchboro Monhegan Swan's Island North Haven Cranberry Isles 2004 2008

Source: Maine Bureau of Corporations, Elections and Commissions

Data Sources and Limitations Source: Maine Bureau of Corporations, Elections, and Commissions, http://www.maine.gov/sos/cec/ Election results for Peaks, Cliff and Great Diamond were inseparable from City of Portland results.

22 - Community & Civic Trends Community & Civic Trends - 23 Economic Trends Island Income Distribution, 2009 Income 5% Median household income is a standard measure of community eco- 8% $ 0 - 25,000 nomic well-being. A community’s median household income repre- 21% $ 25 - 50,000 sents the income of the family in the economic middle: 50% of house- 8% $ 50 - 75,000 holds have an income higher than the community median income; 50% have an income lower than the median. 13% $ 75 - 100,000 25% $ 100 - 125,000 The 2006 Island Indicators report found the median income on eight $ 125 - 150,000 of 14 of the islands to be below the state median and the 2008 report 20% found half of Maine’s 15 year-round island communities to have > $ 150,000 median incomes below that of the state median. In 2009, four island Source: Claritas communities had estimated median incomes below the median for the state of Maine as a whole ($46,309). The 2009 state median is itself 10% lower than the national median of $51,287. This indicates a slight Island Households by Age and Income, 2009 increase in the median income for the year-round islands. 700 In 2009, the most recent data available, 46% of islanders had incomes 600 below $50,000, which was slightly below the national median. A total 500 of 20% of islanders had household incomes below $25,000. The cluster 400 of island households earning less than $25,000 was far below the me- 300 dian. 200 Among households with incomes less than $25,000, more than half 100 (54% or 262 out of 488) are age 65 and older. In total, 41% of house- 0 holds age 65 and older have incomes below $25,000. These island $0 - $25 - $50 - $75 - $100 - $125 - > $ 150,000 residents are most vulnerable to increases in transportation, food and 25,000 50,000 75,000 100,000 125,000 150,000 other costs. 65+ 55-64 45-54 35-44 25-34 15-24

An examination of the cost of food, land and utilities conducted by Source: Claritas Professor Sam McReynolds of the University of New England has docu- mented the additional costs of island living. The higher costs of food, Data Sources and Limitations Source: Claritas, http://www.claritas.com/MarketPlace/Default.jsp fuel and other necessities are a factor to consider in looking at median Claritas, a marketing research firm, provides demographic projections based on the 2000 U.S. Census. income levels on the islands as compared to the state as a whole. Median income data was not available for Great Diamond.

24 - Economic Trends Although Maine is still quite poor (economically, we rank 31st in the country in median income), it is a surprise to discover that 11 of 15 year-round island communities have a higher median income than the state as a whole. The 2006 Island Indicators report noted that nine of the year-round island communities were below the state median in income. This improvement in income is likely the result of two factors. First, although the islands have gotten grayer, part of this trend has resulted from native and seasonal islanders, having earned a living elsewhere, returning in significant numbers to island communities for their retirement years. Although the graying demographic places extra strains on local emergency and medical resources, this group of islanders also brings additional experience and income to their island communities.

A second factor involved in the improved economic situation of islanders results from the continued reliance on the lobster fishery and increase in lobster landings. During the past decade, the price of lobsters has dropped while fuel and bait prices have increased. Many lobstermen have made up in volume what they have lost from rising fuel and bait costs and flat or decreasing prices for their landings. In 2010, the islands collectively landed over 12 million pounds of lobster worth over $40 million. A viable lobster fishery continues to support the economic health of the islands.

Economic Trends - 25 Photo by Kathie Ianicelli Supporting Information:

In the fall of 2010, the Island Institute conducted a basic survey and however, that every food item imported to an island travels by truck, asked the Island Fellows to each go grocery shopping on their island. ferry, private boat or air. In most instances, the items have to be (For some Fellows, this was not an option as there was no year-round handled multiple times before being placed on the store shelf. Trans- store open at the time. Those Fellows shopped at the mainland store portation, fuel costs and the cost of time all factor into the cost of nearest to their ferry dock.) Each Fellow was asked to purchase the food on-island. same items from an identical shopping list and report back. While this shopping trip does not represent a true study of food costs, it Often, islanders go off-island to buy groceries or order them by phone does give an indication of the limitation of food availability and the from a mainland store and have the food shipped by ferry or air. For frequently higher costs. Many island stores work very hard to keep the some, traveling off-island is a multi-day affair due to ferry or flight prices of staples low in support of their community. The reality is, schedules. Again, this process adds transportation and the cost of one’s time to the food costs. 26 - Economic Trends Market Basket Survey, Fall 2010

Swan's Island Great CranberryIslesboro Chebeague Isle au Haut Peaks Island Average Mainland % abovemainland cost Milk 2.96$ 2.50$ 2.69$ 3.00$ 2.99$ 2.69$ 2.81$ 2.69$ 4.10% Cereal 5.49$ 4.60$ 4.99$ 5.79$ 3.49$ 4.79$ 4.86$ 4.29$ 11.70% Eggs 3.99$ 2.36$ 2.59$ 2.75$ 2.69$ 2.79$ 2.86$ 2.75$ 3.90% Bread - white 3.59$ 3.90$ 3.79$ 3.59$ n/a 3.79$ 3.73$ 3.59$ 3.79% Bread - wheat 3.49$ 4.20$ 3.69$ n/a 3.59$ 3.89$ 3.77$ 3.99$ -5.78% Bananas 0.89$ 0.80$ - 0.75$ 1.29$ 0.89$ 0.92$ 0.99$ -7.14% Sugar 5.49$ 5.00$ 4.29$ 4.45$ 4.99$ 3.49$ 4.62$ 4.79$ -3.72% Cat Food 4.59$ 2.65$ 2.79$ 2.90$ 7.09$ 1.99$ 3.67$ 2.69$ 26.67% Beer - 6-pk n/a 6.96$ 6.89$ 11.50$ 9.99$ 5.99$ 8.27$ 5.99$ 27.53% Coke - 6-pk 1.57c 5.10$ 6.49$ 5.20$ 1.29c 5.29$ 5.52$ 4.99$ 9.60% Toilet Paper 2.79$ 1.35b 2.69$ 1.29b 4.79$ 3.69$ 3.49$ 1.99$ 42.98% Flour 3.99$ 12.50$ 3.79$ 2.99$ 4.09$ 3.39$ 5.13$ 3.39$ 33.85% Source: Island Institute, Informal Survey, 2010 a alcohol not sold on island b individual rolls only c individual cans only d 1 lb pkg at .49/lb

Data Sources and Limitations Island Institute

Economic Trends - 27 Lobstering and Fishing Although islanders make up less than 1% of the Maine population Using the 2009 DMR data and the 2010 U.S. Census data, the es- (.38%), in 2009 they held 5% of commercial fishing licenses, and timated percentage of islanders holding lobster licenses is roughly 9% of lobster licenses. Out of a total of 7,710 commercial lobster 15%. This is only a very crude estimate but it suggests the value of licenses issued in Maine in 2009, 675 were held by islanders. the lobster fishery to the islands.

Fishing on the islands is heavily dependent on lobstering. In 2009, Between 1997 and 2009, lobstering fuel and bait costs increased 78% of all commercial fishing licenses issued to island residents 2.2 and 2.6 times respectively. During that same time, the price were lobster-related, compared to 47% in the state as a whole. per pound for lobster decreased 1% overall. While annual landings However, lobster licenses as a percentage of all commercial fishing have increased, the decreased price per pound, coupled with the licenses on the islands has decreased over the last several years. dramatic increasing trend in fuel and bait prices, indicates difficult This decrease (94% in 2005, 82% in 2007, and 78% in 2009) is a times ahead. trend to track. In the past, Maine island lobstermen weathered the industry’s boom-and-bust cycle by switching to other species or other work. This is an increasingly difficult solution as new regulations in fisheries limit entry and the economy has slowed.

EstimaEstimatedte Percentaged Percentage of Islanders of Islanders Holding a Holding a LobsterLobs Licenseter Li incense in 2010* 2010 50.00% 40.00% 30.00% 20.00% 10.00% 0.00%

Cli Peaks Long Islesboro Matinicus ChebeaugeChebeague VinalhavenMonhegan Isle au Haut Frenchboro North Haven Swan's Island Cranberry Isles Source: Maine Department of Marine Resources Note: This chart provides a rough estimate of the percentage of island residents holding lobster licenses. The calculation uses island-based licenses as of 2009 divided by the U.S. Census Data of 2010. 28 - Economic Trends Lobster Industry % Change 1997-2009 Maine Lobster Price Per Pound

$5.00 Fresh herring (bait) cost per bushel 163% $4.50 $4.00 $3.50 FuelFuel costs cost perper gallongallon 116% $3.00 $2.50 $2.00 $1.50 Price per Pound -1% $1.00 $0.50 $- Pounds of Lobster Landed 66% 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009*

Source: Maine Department of Marine Resources; New England Retail Source: Maine Department of Marine Resources Gasoline and Diesel Prices, U.S. Energy Information Administration; O’Hara Corporation

Data Sources and Limitations

Sources: Maine Department of Marine Resources, http://www.maine.gov/dmr; U.S. Energy Information Administration, http://tonto.eia.doe.gov/dnav/pet/pet_pri_top.asp; O’Hara Corpora- tion, http://www.oharabait.com

In this report, lobster licenses include Lobster/Crab Apprentice; Lobster/Crab Apprentice Under Age 18; Lobster/Crab Class I, Class II, and Class III; Lobster/Crab Over Age 70; Lobster/Crab Stu- dent; Lobster/Crab Under Age 18; Lobster Meat; Lobster Transportation; Lobster Transportation Supplemental; Wholesale Seafood with Lobsters; Wholesale Seafood with Lobsters Supplemental. It does not include Lobster/Crab Non-Commercial.

Commercial Fishing does not include Lobster/Crab Non-Commercial, Scallop Non-Commercial, Demo Lobster, or Demo Scuba.

Fishing license data was not available for Great Diamond.

*2009 landings data is preliminary. 2002 and 2003 landings data may reflect increased efforts by DMR to collect voluntary landings from some lobster dealers; caution is advised when comparing these numbers to previous years. Lobster reporting became mandatory in 2004 for all Maine dealers buying directly from harvesters; caution is advised when comparing these landings to previous years. Economic Trends - 29 Supporting Information:

2010 Commercial Fishing Data Commercial Fishing Licenses

The information presented below differs from information presented Over the last decade, the number of overall commercial fishing licens- in past Island Indicators reports. The commercial license data was pro- es held by island residents has decreased. One likely explanation for vided by the state Department of Marine Resources from a dynamic the decline is the increasing difficulty of obtaining a license or permit, database. When a license is dropped from the current year, it is also especially for smaller in-shore boats which are common in Maine. dropped from all past years. In other editions of the Island Indicators, a snapshot of each year was taken during that year and that snapshot At the same time, the percentage of lobster commercial fishing was used for comparison across years. The information presented be- licenses on the islands that are for lobster increased overall between low is valuable in that it clearly shows trends over the 10-year period 2000 and 2010. It is plausible that fishermen who once fished in other of 2000 to 2010. fisheries are concentrating on the lobster fishery, which has remained stable.

All Commercial Fishing Licenses, All Islands Lobster Licenses as % Commercial Fishing Licenses, 2000 - 2010 All Islands 800 2000 - 2010 700 92% 600 90% 500 88% 400 86% 300 84% 200 82% 100 80% 0 78% 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

Source: Maine Department of Marine Resources

Data Sources and Limitations Source: Maine Department of Marine Resources Data relating to commercial licenses held in the following sectors: lobster, scallop, shrimp, shellfish and groundfish, by mailing address of licenses holder and by island/port.

30 - Economic Trends Lobster Landings

Lobster landings (pounds) increased overall between 2000 and 2010. Lobster landings are aggregated by embayment as data for individual islands is not available.

Lobster Landings, Pounds, 2000-2010

14,000,000

12,000,000

10,000,000

8,000,000

6,000,000

4,000,000

2,000,000

0 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

Casco Bay Pounds Penobscot Bay Pounds Downeast ounds

Source: Maine Department of Marine Resources

Note: Some data for Casco Bay is not available from DMR because reporting was not mandatory prior to 2004.

Economic Trends - 31 The value of the lobster landed has been varied, but has increased overall. However, as seen above, the cost increase for bait and fuel has outpaced the price per pound for lobster. In 2009, there was a significant decrease in value which is reflected in the drop in price per pound indicated below. This translated into a short-term appearance of a drop in prices over the 1997–2009 period.

Lobster Landings, All Islands, 2000-2010

50,000,000 45,000,000 40,000,000 35,000,000 30,000,000 25,000,000 20,000,000 15,000,000 10,000,000 5,000,000 0 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

All Island Pounds All Islands Value in Dollars

Source: Maine Department of Marine Resources

Data Sources and Limitations Source: Maine Department of Marine Resources, http://www.maine.gov/dmr 2010 data are preliminary 2000-2003 group C data are confidential Lobster dealer reporting did not become mandatory until 2004 Information updated 5/24/11 Note: the license data in this section was obtained from a dynamic database, as a license holder drops from the current year; they are also dropped from past years. 32 - Economic Trends The economics of the lobster industry are complicated by market over 7.3 million pounds in 2010. The Downeast islands landed 1.2 forces and the health of the stock. We know, from various DMR re- million pounds in 2000 and 3.4 million pounds in 2010. ports and those who lobster, that the overall health of the lobster stock is strong. Many lobstermen have made up in volume what they have In 2010 the islands collectively landed just under 12 million pounds of lost in rising fuel and bait costs and flat or decreasing prices. lobsters worth over $40 million. Among the six Penobscot Bay island communities, the 7 million pounds of lobsters landed were worth Landings have increased significantly for Casco Bay islands between over $24 million. Downeast islanders landed 3.4-million pounds for a 2004, with just over 700,000 pounds landed, and 2010, with just over value of just under $11.5 million. Among the Casco Bay island lobster 1.4 million pounds landed. Landings for the Penobscot Bay islands communities, some 1.4 million pounds were landed worth almost have grown from approximately 3.5 million pounds in 2000 to just $4.8 million. Economic Trends - 33 Working Waterfront Access

Fishing is enormously important to island economies and maintain- The Vinalhaven Lobstermen’s Co-op is one of three access points for ing working-waterfront access is critical to the industry’s survival. fishermen in Carver’s Harbor. It serves about 60 boats, has 84 mem- A 2007 report published by the Island Institute, entitled The Last 20 bers, and supports 100 island families with income from the sale Miles, found that of the 240 saltwater access points located on Maine’s of lobsters and crabs. The co-op recognized that with the increas- islands, 57% (137) are privately owned. This makes them vulnerable to ing limitations to the herring fishery, its supply of bait was available development or new ownership that does not allow fishing access. less regularly. The co-op lacked sufficient chilled and frozen storage capacity to allow for longer use of each bait delivery. The sale of the The Island Institute supports the Working Waterfront Access Protec- working-waterfront covenant will not only permanently restrict the tion Program, in which the Maine Department of Marine Resources, use of the one-acre property to commercial fisheries, but also finance together with the Land for Maine’s Future program, provides funds, the construction of a large freezer and cold-storage building. through the sale of development rights, to help purchase, preserve and protect key properties on the coast that provide access for commercial J.O. Brown and Son Inc. continues as a family owned boatyard on fisheries activities. Since 2005, the Working Waterfront Access Protec- North Haven. The company builds, repairs and stores boats on a tion Program has protected 19 access points, including three island shore-front lot of just under one acre. Serving as the only source of properties: the Municipal Pier on Isle au Haut, the Vinalhaven Fisher- gas, diesel and heating oil on the island, J.O. Brown and Son Inc. pro- men’s Cooperative on Vinalhaven and J.O. Brown and Sons on North vides multiple community services. The award will help with a num- Haven. ber of improvements, including removing and replacing an old wharf, replacing a ramp, and installing a hoist. One side of the pier will be The island town of Isle au Haut applied to the Working Waterfront dedicated to commercial fishing use. Overall, the improvements will Access Protection Program to secure permanent commercial fishing increase the working efficiency of the property. access to the town’s multi-use municipal pier. Proceeds from the sale of the working-waterfront covenant were used to leverage additional funds to replace the existing town pier with a facility supporting commercial fishing activities. The project directly benefits the island’s 15 commercial fishermen by securing access on the island’s only public pier, thus supporting the viability of the year-round community.

Data Sources and Limitations Source: Maine Department of Marine Resources Working Waterfront Access Pilot Program http://www.wwapp.org/ 34 - Economic Trends Supporting Information: Harpswell A private commercial wharf has been updated and is fully op- In the spring of 2011, the Island Institute conducted an update of erational. the working-waterfront access inventory. Using a 10% sample of the original survey, 14 municipalities, including 724 access points were Swan’s Island included in the update. The original study included 142 municipalities One private fishing pier is no longer in use and there are two and 1,555 access points were identified. new private residential piers.

The following municipalities reported changes in access: Kennebunkport There is a new recreational dock owned by the local conserva- Stonington tion trust and adjustments are being completed to the town Stonington added 11 access points. There were also two fishing- right-of-way along the Goose Rocks Beach area. related commercial businesses that had changed hands; neither had substantial changes in use. St. George Two lobster facilities have changed hands. Two private com- Cranberry Isles mercial fishing docks were sold and are now used for residential One new private residential pier was added. use. Using Working Waterfront Access Protection Program funds, the co-op built a new dock and also upgraded the existing Portland* wharf. The city is embarking on a comprehensive study of its waterfront and working to update shoreland zoning regulations. There have *The Inventory was produced by Portland City’s Planning and Urban Development been some changes to the infrastructure at the East End recre- Department as a requirement of the newly enacted zoning for the Central Waterfront. Specifically, the report looks at the portions of the waterfront that are now subject to ational facility. A second berth was added to Ocean Gateway to marine-use percentage requirements for building ground floors and pier open areas. serve international cruise ships. New barge landings have been The inventory documents the baseline conditions existing as of enactment of the new constructed on Cliff and Cushing islands. zoning and will allow monitoring of use changes and development patterns over time in the areas of the Central Waterfront most important for marine industry. The report Kittery is posted at http://www.portlandmaine.gov/planning/wcz.asp The fishermen’s pier is being improved. A commercial enterprise is now privately owned, there is one new marina, and another Towns with No Reported Changes: private marina under expansion. Islesboro Phippsburg Vinalhaven Machiasport Two lobster-buying facilities changed hands. A wharf, formerly Boothbay Harbor private and leased to the town, is now owned by the town. A Eastport barge providing fuel, bait and lobster buying no longer exists and a private educational access point no longer exists.

Economic Trends - 35 36 - Economic Trends Taxable Sales

Overall, taxable sales figures on the islands have followed a pattern similar to that in the state as a whole in recent years, increasing through 2007 and then decreasing with the recent economic recession.

Maine Taxable Sales 2004-2009

$18,000,000 $17,500,000 $17,000,000 $16,500,000 $16,000,000 $15,500,000 $15,000,000 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Island Taxable Sales 2004-2009

$25,000 $20,000 $15,000 $10,000 $5,000 $0 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Source: Maine Revenue Services

Economic Trends - 37 2009 Taxable Sales by Quarter Maine is highly dependent upon tourism dollars, especially in 100% the peak summer months of July, August and September. The 90% 18.6% 25.8% 2006 and 2008 Island Indicators reports both found that sum- 80% mer tourism was very important to island economies. In 2009, 70% 4th Quarter that trend continues; taxable sales on the islands remain more 29.3% rd 60% 52.8% 3rd Quarter dependent on 3 quarter (summer) and restaurant/lodging 50% sales than in the state as a whole. 2nd Quarter 40% 25.2% 1st Quarter 30% Since 2004, 3rd quarter (summer) and restaurant/lodging tax- 20% 20.2% able sales as a percentage of total taxable sales in Maine have 10% 8.0% 19.7% increased as illustrated in the accompanying graph reflecting 0% the change in total taxable sales. Island Total MMaine aine

Source: Maine Revenue Services

Change from 2004 in % Total Taxable Sales

6.0% Restaurant and lodging sales make up 35% of islands’ taxable sales, which are both weighted 5.0% heavily toward the summer tourist industry. 4.0% Only 16% of the total of Maine state taxable sales are based in restaurant and lodging sales and are 3.0% spread across the entire year. A drop in taxable 2.0% sales related to summer tourism is likely to have a strong negative effect on the overall economies 1.0% of the islands. 0.0% 2004-2005 2004-2006 2004-2007 2004-2008 2004-2009 Q3 Restaurant/Lodging

Source: Maine Revenue Services

38 - Economic Trends 2009 Maine Total Taxable Sales 2009 Island Total Taxable Sales

16% 35%

65% 84%

Restaurant/Lodging All Other Categories Restaurant/Lodging All Other Categories

Source: Maine Revenue Services

Data Sources and Limitations Source: Maine Revenue Services, http://www.maine.gov/revenue Taxable sales data is collected at the town level. Data for Peaks, Cliff, Chebeague, and Great Diamond cannot be separated from the municipalities of which they are (or were, in Chebeague’s case) a part. Data for Frenchboro and Long were also unavailable. Economic Trends - 39 Affordability Trends Housing The islands have fewer year-round rental housing units than the state According to the 2010 U.S. Census, among year-round housing units, as a whole. Young people in particular generally tend to want to rent there are fewer rental units on the islands (22%) than in the state as a rather than own. Half of the households under the age of 35 in Maine whole (29%). live in rental housing while only one in five older households are renters. The lack of affordable, energy-efficient, secure, year-round In 2010, 63% of housing units on the islands were used seasonally, rental housing makes it difficult for people of modest means to enter compared with 16% in the state as a whole, and 3.3% nationally. the housing rental market on islands. Coupled with strong real estate prices, the lack of rental homes is seen as a deterrent to younger people moving to islands.

Occupied Housing Units by Tenure, 2010 Tenure by Householder Age, All Islands, 2010

100% 1,000 150 80% 800 71% 91 60% 78% 600 Renters 40% 400 Owners 176 808 545 20% 200 29% 43 281 22% 20 0% 0 All Islands Maine Householder Householder Householder Householder 15 to 24 years 25-44 years 45-64 years 65 years and older Owner occupied Renter occupied

Source: 2010 U.S. Census (2)

The 2010 U.S. Census data continues to indicate that younger households on the islands are more likely to be renters.

40 - Affordability Trends The Island Institute’s 2009Analysis of the Recent Economic History of Maine’s Island Communities compared current and historic population and housing numbers and found a higher proportion of housing units to residents on the islands compared to the state as a whole. The report stated that in Maine’s island communities, “a vastly greater proportion of their housing stock is unoccupied on April 1 than is true for the state as a whole.” The demand for seasonal homes likely reduces the number of homes available for year-round occupancy and increases housing prices.

SesaonalSeasonal Housing Units, Maine, 2010 Seasonal Housing Units, All Islands, 2010

16% 37%

63% 84%

Seasonal Year-round Seasonal Year-roundSource: 2010 U.S. Census

The percentage of seasonal housing is highest in the Downeast islands, where 69% of housing is seasonal.

Percent Housing Seasonal 1990 2000 2010 Casco Bay 63% 54% 63% Penobscot Bay 59% 59% 60% DownDowneast East 61% 69% 69% All Islands 61% 59% 63% Maine 15% 16% 16%

Source: 2010 U.S. Census

Affordability Trends - 41 All three embayments have significantly more housing units per island resident than in the state as a whole. Today, there are 1.75 housing units per island resident on the Downeast islands, compared to .54 in the state overall. The high ratio of housing units to resident population supports the finding that there are a high number of seasonal homes and seasonal rental housing units on islands.

Housing Units Per Resident, 1990-2010

2.0 1.8 1.6 1.4 1.2 1.0 0.8 0.6 0.4 0.2 0.0 Casco Bay Penobscot Bay Down East All Islands Maine

1990 2000 2010 Change% Change Over Time Source: 2010 U.S. Census

Since 1990, the number of housing units has Housing Units 1990 2000 2010 Change % Change increased at a faster rate in both Casco Bay and Penobscot Bay than in the state as a whole. Casco Bay 1,785 2,071 2,352 567 31.8% One reason could be the increased population Penobscot Bay 2,499 2,933 3,143 644 25.8% since 1990 or the increase could represent an increase in seasonal housing units. The number Downeast 763 824 934 171 22.4% of Downeast housing units increased by 22.4%, All Islands 5,047 5,828 6,429 1,382 27.4% at a slightly lower level than the overall state increase of 23%. Maine 587,045 651,901 721,830 134,785 23.0% Source: 2010 U.S. Census

42 - Affordability Trends Interestingly, among those who own, islanders are more likely to own their home free and clear than those in the state as a whole. One possible explanation for this is that island homes are often owned genera- Home Ownership, 2010 tionally and passed down along family lines. Another possible reason is that since islanders tend to be older, and older people have had 100% longer to pay off their mortgages, the ownership may relate to the age 34% of the occupants. 80% 45% Owned free and clear 60% The ratio of the home price affordable at the median income to the Owned with a median home price is called an affordability index. An affordability 40% 66% mortgage or a loan index of less than one means that the area is generally not affordable: 55% a household earning the median income could not afford the median 20% home price. An index of one means that a household earning the median income can afford exactly the median home price. 0% All Islands Maine Source: 2010 U.S. Census With the deflation of the housing market over the last couple of years, housing has become more affordable on the islands, as it has in the state as whole. Yet in 2009, an island household earning the median income can still afford only 76% of the median home price. A ordability Index 1.00 2006-2009 0.90 0.80 0.70 0.60 Data Sources and Limitations Source: U.S. Census, http://factfinder.census.gov and http://factfinder2.census.gov/ 0.50 Claritas, http://www.claritas.com/MarketPlace/Default.jsp; MaineHousing, http://www. 0.40 mainehousing.org; An Analysis of the Recent Economic History of Maine’s Island Communi- 0.30 ties, http://www.islandinstitute.org/publications.php 0.20 0.10 Claritas, a marketing research firm, provides demographic projections based on the 2000 U.S. 0.00 Census. 2006 2007 2008 2009 Genesis Community Loan Fund, MaineHousing MAINEMaine ISLANDSIslands Casco Bay: Long, Chebeague, Peaks, Great Diamond, Cliff Penobscot Bay: Isle au Haut, Matinicus, North Haven, Vinalhaven, Monhegan, Islesboro Down East: Cranberry Isles, Frenchboro, Swan’s Island Source: MaineHousing

Affordability Trends - 43 Supporting Information:

The National Association of Home Builders reports the average cost per square foot of building in the Northeast to be $110.40 and the average square-foot cost in the U.S. to be $83.89. An informal survey of island builders suggests that building on-island costs between 20% and 30% more than the average cost per square-foot in the Northeast. The “island surcharge” reflects the added cost of transportation of materials and, in some instances, tradespeople.

A $2 million MaineHousing program to help provide affordable housing on the unbridged year-round Maine islands has been scaled to meet island needs. The Affordable Housing Initiative for Maine Is- lands is part of a $30 million “green” affordable-housing bond, signed by Governor John Baldacci in June 2009. To date, seven island organizations are working to define projects in anticipation of applying to the Island Program. Two additional island organizations are exploring the possibilities. The Genesis Community Loan Fund and the Island Institute are working with island organizations to assist in moving projects and applications forward. Initial estimates projected that 12 to 18 secure, affordable and energy-efficient island homes will be -cre ated with grant funds from this program.

The bond money will support six units of housing on Vinalhaven, and two units each of housing on Chebeague, North Haven, Islesboro, Isle au Haut, Long, Peaks, the Cranberry Isles and Monhegan. The number of new or renovated efficient, year-round, affordable housing units now in process is 20.

Data Sources and Limitations MaineHousing, Island Institute, Genesis Community Loan Fund National Association of Home Builders, http://www.nahb.com/fileUpload_details.aspx?contentID=80055

44 - Affordability Trends Property Valuation

Since 2001, the total valuation of property on Maine’s islands has increased 166%, compared with a 114% increase in the state as a whole. Increases in a municipality’s valuation can have significant implications for residents. Rising property values can offer property owners an increased return on in- vestment at the time of sale. Yet rising property values can make it financially difficult for community members to purchase a home and can represent a heavier tax burden for those who wish to remain on-island. A municipality’s valuation is also a factor in the distribution of state aid for education.

State Adjusted Valuations, 2001–20092001 - 2009 2001 2003 2005 2007 2009 2001-09 % chg Long Island $40,400,000 $56,700,000 $77,350,000 $100,150,000 $138,000,000 242% Isle au Haut $22,250,000 $30,500,000 $45,750,000 $57,950,000 $81,500,000 266% Islesboro $214,950,000 $303,100,000 $394,800,000 $615,200,000 $613,650,000 185% Matinicus $12,450,000 $14,250,000 $18,100,000 $25,550,000 $40,350,000 224% Monhegan $32,050,000 $38,450,000 $54,150,000 $71,750,000 $98,100,000 206% North Haven $164,300,000 $194,150,000 $261,700,000 $313,700,000 $426,600,000 160% Vinalhaven $215,050,000 $285,450,000 $353,600,000 $482,900,000 $526,150,000 145% Cranberry Isles $89,750,000 $120,750,000 $155,900,000 $190,950,000 $196,900,000 119% Frenchboro $6,450,000 $7,300,000 $8,750,000 $10,750,000 $11,750,000 82% Swan's Island $61,400,000 $74,350,000 $102,150,000 $122,400,000 $152,050,000 148% Islands $859,050,000 $1,125,000,000 $1,472,250,000 $1,991,300,000 $2,285,050,000 166% Maine $78,389,400,000 $94,034,050,000 $118,038,020,000 $148,946,200,000 $168,071,150,000 114%

Source: Maine Revenue Services

Affordability Trends - 45 Valuation 2001–2009 Dividing the overall valuation by the number of housing units yields an estimated “average” value per housing unit. The Institute’s 2009 Analysis Maine of the Recent Economic History of Maine’s Island Communities presented the following trends in total state valuation per housing unit in Maine as a whole and in its island communities. The report found that in 1970, the total state estimated average value per Islands housing unit on the Maine islands was approximately $16,000 as compared to the state average of $22,400. However, by 2007, the average value per housing 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 120% 140% 160% 180% unit in island communities was at nearly $490,000 compared to a state average of $240,000. Source: Maine Revenue Services

Valuation Per Housing Unit

$700000, $600000, $500000, $400000, $300000, Data Sources and Limitations $200000, Sources: Maine Revenue Services, http://www.maine.gov/revenue; $100000, An Analysis of the Recent Economic History of Maine’s Island Communities, http://www.islandinstitute.org/publications.php 0 1970 1980 1990 2000 2007 The state valuation process takes about 18 months, which means that there is a lag time of about two years. For example, analysis for the Maine DownDowneast East IslandsIslands 2007 valuations began in the fall of 2005 using sales data from July 2004 to June 2005. Penobscot Bay Islands Casco Bay Islands

State valuations are done at the municipal level, so data for Peaks, Cliff, Chebeague, and Great Diamond were not available. Source: Planning Decisions, Inc. 46 - Affordability Trends Electricity Rates

Electricity is significantly more expensive on many of the islands than on the mainland. Seven of the year-round islands struggle with costs per kilowatt-hour that are several times higher than the state average. On Monhegan, the cost per kilowatt-hour is more than four times the state average. Yet, it should be noted that electricity rates on the Casco Bay islands, Islesboro and the Cranberry Isles are equal to those on the mainland.

Average Retail Price of Electricity (per kwh) $0.80 2009 $0.70 $0.60 $0.50 $0.40 $0.30 $0.20 $0.10 $0.00 U.S. Maine MonheganMatinicus Islesboro FrenchboroIsle au Swan's Haut Island , Chebeague New EnglandCranberry Isles

North Haven, Vinalhaven e Diamonds, Cli

Peaks, Long,

Data Sources and Limitations Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, http://www.eia.doe.gov/electricity/epm/table5_6_b.html; Public Utilities Commission http://www.maine.gov/mpuc/electricity/index.shtml; Monhegan Plantation Power District; Ma- tinicus Plantation Electrical Company; Isle au Haut Electric; Swan’s Island Electric Cooperative

Affordability Trends - 47 One major change in the area of electricity since publication of the 2008 Island Indicators is the introduction of wind energy on the Fox Islands. Fox Islands Electric Cooperative (“the co-op”), serving Vinalhaven and North Haven, began exploring the potential for a community-owned wind project to lower and stabilize electric rates in 2001. In December 2009, the 4.5 MW Fox Islands Wind project came on line, lowering the annual average electric rate by roughly 15% in its first year of commercial operation. Whereas, local ratepayers had been paying approximately 28-30 cents per kWh in the years leading up to the project, they paid an average of 24 cents per kWh in 2010.

The decrease in the overall electric rate is a result of the Fox Islands paying 27% less for the energy portion of their bill. The co-op had historically been purchasing 100% of its power from the mainland power market at roughly 9-10 cents per kWh. With the development of the wind project, it now buys and sells a relatively equal amount of power to the mainland via its submarine cable, effectively insulating it from energy-market fluctuations. As a result, the energy portion of the rate represents the fixed costs of the wind project and the value of Renew- able Energy Credits (RECs) that the project sells to total just over 6 cents per kWh for the next 20 years. Overall, the wind project has decreased electric bills by about 15% since it went into operation. When the island was buying power from the mainland, the energy charge fluctuated based on the current price of fossil fuel-based electricity. The price of transmission and distribution has not changed. However, the price of power has decreased from the range of 9-10 cents/kWh to a yearly average of about 6 cents/kWh. This lower rate is locked in for the next 20 years, or the life of the project.

Data Sources and Limitations Sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration, http://www.eia.doe.gov/electricity/epm/table5_6_b.html; Public Utilities Commission http://www.maine.gov/mpuc/electricity/index.shtml; Monhegan Plantation Power District; Matinicus Plantation Electrical Company; Isle au Haut Electric; Swan’s Island Electric Coop- erative; http://www.foxislandswind.com/index.html Retail price includes supply and delivery. 48 - Affordability Trends Heating Fuel

According to the 2000 U.S. Census, 85% of island Comparative Price of Heating Fuel, 2009 households use heating oil to heat their homes, compared to 80% in the State of Maine and just 9% nationally. Low High Heating #2 $2.65 $3.45 This data has not been included in previous Island Propane $3.26 $5.73 Indicators Reports. In light of the age of the island K1 $2.95 $4.66 housing stock and the rising cost of heating fuel, Source: Sampling of Island Fuel Dealers this trend will be tracked in future reports.

A sample of comparable prices suggests that heating oil (#2, propane, and K1) tends to be more expensive on the islands, and the range of pricing Heating Oil Prices, 2009 varies widely across the islands. Possible factors to per gallon explain the increased costs include transportation $5.00 costs, lack of competition and storage costs. $4.50 $4.00 $4.37$4.37$4.37 $3.50 $3.00 $3.44$3.44$3.44 $2.50 $2.96 $3.01$3.01$3.01 $2.00 $2.66 $2.66$2.66$2.66 $1.50 $1.00 $0.50 $0.00 Oil Propane K1

Island Average State Average

Source: Maine Office of Energy Independence and Security, Sampling of Island Fuel Dealers

Data Sources and Limitations Sources: Maine Office of Energy Independence and Security, http://www.maine.gov/oeis/heatingoil.htm

Local price data is a sample and was collected from eight different island fuel dealers; data was not available from all islands.

Affordability Trends - 49 Ferry Transportation

Ferries are a lifeline to Maine’s island communities. In 2009, there were 3.6 times as many ferry trips Ferry Trip to Mainland and Back for taken in the summer as in the winter. This is similar Family of Four (2009) to the ratios in previous years and reflects the seasonal nature of island economies. Still, even in $100 February (the slowest month for ferry travel), the $100 state’s three largest ferry companies (Maine State $80 Ferry Service, Casco Bay Island Transit District, and $60 $48 $30 $30 $30 $35 $36 Chebeague Transportation Company) transported $40 $22 $24 $27 $14 $17 $18 $20 more than 57,550 passengers (including repeat $20 riders) between the islands and the mainland. $-

Cli Peaks Long Swan's One of the costs of living on an island is the expense Islesboro Matinicus Chebeague Monhegan Vinalhaven Frenchboro Isle au Haut of taking the ferry to the mainland to go to the North Haven Swan’s Island Great Diamond Cranberry Isles grocery store, to visit friends and family, or to go to a sporting or other entertainment event, to name Source: Maine State Ferry Service, Casco Bay Island Transit District, a few examples. The round-trip cost of taking the Chebeague Transportation Company ferry to the mainland for a family of four (based on islander rates) ranges from $14 on Chebeague to $100 on Matinicus. This does not include the cost of transporting a car, parking on the mainland or transporting goods back to the island.

Data Sources and Limitations Source: Maine State Ferry Service, http://www.state.me.us/mdot/opt/ferry/maine-ferry-service.php; Casco Bay Island Transit District, http://www.cascobaylines.com; Chebeague Transportation Company, http://www.chebeaguetrans.com

Ferry ridership data (numbers) was not available for all islands. Monhegan, Isle au Haut, and the Cranberry Isles are served by private companies whose data is proprietary.

Winter ridership includes January and February ridership numbers; summer ridership includes July and August ridership numbers. Family of four transportation costs are calculated as peak season, using commuter discounts when available.

50 - Affordability Trends Supporting Information:

An informal telephone survey of island ferry service provid- EstimatedEstimated Cost Cost Per Per Mile Mile ers was used to estimate the mileage between the mainland ForFor a aFamily Family of of Four Four and island ferry docks. Using these mileage estimates and the UsingUsing the the highest highest discound discount available available most highly discounted ticket pricing for a family of four, the 2010 cost per mile was calculated. In 2009, the Internal Revenue Estimated Service allowed a reimbursement rate of 50 cents per mile for b Estimated Island Round Trip Ticket Cost 2 business car travel. Keeping in mind that the estimated cost Cost per Mile MilageMileage 1a per mile is not statistically verifiable, the estimated boat cost Chebeague c 3 10 $14.00 $1.40 per mile for a round trip ranges from a low of $1.00 to a high of $7.20. This does not take into account the cost of park- Cliff 12 $27.00 $2.25 ing or freight. It also does not take into account the “cost” of Great Diamond 6 $20.00 $3.34 travel time and the limitations of a set ferry schedule. Long Island 8 $22.00 $2.75 Peaks Island 5 $17.00 $3.40 Isle au Haut 15 $48.00 $3.20 Islesboro 6 $18.00 $3.00 Matinicus 46 $100.00 $2.17 Monhegan 22 $24.00 $1.90 North Haven 25 $30.00 $1.20 Vinalhaven 30 $30.00 $1.00 Cranberry Isles 5 $36.00 $7.20 Frenchboro 16.5 $35.00 $4.12 Swan's Island 12 $30.00 $2.50

Source: Informal survey of island ferry service providers

a Based on an informal survey of ferry service providers and data from the Maine State Ferry Service b Rounded to nearest whole dollar, based on family discount at peak season prices for a family of 4 (2 adults, 2 children) round trip fare c Casco Bay Lines Transit Authority

Affordability Trends - 51 Car Ferry CostsCar Originating Ferry Costs On Mainland Many island residents maintain a vehicle on the mainland and on- island. In most instances, there is a charge for mainland parking. IslandIsland Service Service Provider Provider PeakPeak Off-PeakOff-‐Peak Annual discounted passes are often available for island residents. For Chebeague Casco Bay Lines $122.65 $88.65 those who need to take a car on and off-island, the cost can be pro- Chebeague Chebeague Transportation^ $75.00 n/a hibitive. In some instances there is no option other than to use a barge Cliff Casco Bay Lines $122.65 $88.65 service. Great Diamond Casco Bay Lines $122.65 $88.65 Long Island Casco Bay Lines $122.65 $88.65 The Matinicus Ferry schedule is very limited, varied in schedule, and Peaks Island Casco Bay Lines $82.65* $36.65 tide-dependent. The ferry runs once a month November through Isle au Haut Nonprofit n/a n/a March and weekly for the remainder of the year. Residents rely on Pe- nobscot Island Air to travel to and from the mainland at a passenger Islesboro State Ferry Service $27.50 n/a cost of $55 per person one-way on the mail flight. Weather dependent, Matinicus State Ferry Service $86.00 n/a there are two regular mail flights that run Monday through Friday. At Monhegan Private n/a n/a other times, the plane may be chartered. Banana boxes, used to freight North Haven State Ferry Service $49.50 n/a groceries and other items, are freighted at $8 per box. Vinalhaven State Ferry Service $49.50 n/a Cranberry Isles Private n/a n/a Frenchboro State Ferry Service $32.25 n/a Swan's Island State Ferry Service $49.50 n/a

Source: Maine State Ferry Service, Casco Bay Island Transit District, Chebeague Transportation Company

^ Barge service only, not on regular ferry * 62.65 Monday - Wednesday travel

Data Sources and Limitations

Internal Revenue Service, http://www.irs.gov/taxpros/article/0,,id=156624,00.html

Maine State Ferry Service, http://www.state.me.us/mdot/opt/ferry/maine-ferry-service.php; Casco Bay Island Transit District, http://www.cascobaylines.com; Chebeague Transportation Company, http://www.chebeaguetrans.com

52 - Affordability Trends Overview of Island Communities

Communities are constantly evolving combinations of people, organizations, institutions and history. Maine’s year-round island and working-waterfront communities face unique challenges as they are largely resource—and tourist—dependent communities working to balance their needs. Island communities strive to remain vibrant places to live, work and raise families. The dedication of islanders to their communities is the core strength of each island. There is much to learn and know about each of these unique places. These brief community sketches are provided as an introduction to these communities.

CASCO BAY Quick Facts:

Chebeague Year-Round Population, 2010 U.S. Census: 341 Summer Population Estimate: 1,600 After seceding from the town of Cumberland, Chebeague Island Area: 1,926 acres became Maine’s newest independent town on July 1, 2007. The com- Mainland Ferry Terminal: Cousins Island munity chose to secede to protect the future of its island elementary • Estimated Distance between Mainland and Island school, without which it would be extremely difficult to sustain a Ferry Docks: 1 mile year-round population. Chebeague has established a town governance • Ferry Service: Chebeague Transportation Company structure and is working toward adopting a comprehensive plan. Mainland Ferry Terminal: Portland Historically, Chebeague was a famous shipbuilding center; its “stone • Estimated Distance between Mainland and Island sloops” transported granite up and down the coast. Today, islanders Ferry Docks: 5 miles make their living lobstering and working in local businesses. A large • Ferry Service: Casco Bay Lines Transit District number of islanders commute to mainland jobs. School: K-5; upper grades commute to Cumberland, (in the future they will commute to Yarmouth) Form of Town Government: Independent Town

Overview of Infrastructure Investments:

2010 Stone Pier repaved/ramp rebuilt Two stretches of road rebuilt / repaved 2009 Kids Place

Overview - 53 Cliff Island Quick Facts:

Cliff Island is the smallest year-round island in Casco Bay Year-Round Population, 2010 U.S. Census: 71 and the last stop “down the bay” on the Casco Bay Lines Summer Population Estimate: 200 ferry. Shaped like an “H,” the island has extensive property Acres: 302 in conservation land, permanently protecting its rural Mainland Ferry Terminal: Portland atmosphere. The island is the only year-round island in • Estimated Distance between Mainland and Island Casco Bay that has all unpaved roads and, while cars are Ferry Docks: 6 miles allowed, most people walk, bicycle or use golf carts for • Ferry Service: Casco Bay Lines Transit District transportation. Residents lobster, work on local island- School: K- 5, one-room schoolhouse; grades 6-12 commute daily to Portland related businesses or commute to the mainland for work. Form of Town Government: Part of the City of Portland

Overview of Infrastructure Investments:

2007 Barge landing ramp $275,000 2008 Ferry waiting/storage building $30,000 54 - Overview Great Diamond Island Long Island

Great Diamond Island is part of the city of Portland and one of the In 1993, Long Island seceded from the City of Portland to form its year-round islands in Casco Bay. The community consists of two own independent town, comprising Long Island itself and several islands, Great Diamond and Little Diamond, connected by a sandbar smaller islands. The secession process was unprecedented in Maine at low tide. The island was initially an artists’ retreat community, but history at the time. Long Island is located in the middle of Casco Bay, was converted to a military base at the time of the Spanish-American approximately three miles from the coast of Falmouth. A private barge War to defend Casco Bay. Fort McKinley was constructed between service for vehicles and freight operates between East End Beach in 1891 and 1907 and remained in service until the end of World War II Portland and the Boston Sand & Gravel ramp on Long Island. The in 1945. After 30 years of being idle, the former base site—which en- lobster-fishing industry is a cornerstone of the island economy; compasses the middle of Great Diamond—was converted into a gated although many islanders also commute to jobs on the mainland. resort community called Diamond Cove. Condos in the converted barracks and officers’ quarters and private homesites are primarily Quick Facts: owned by seasonal visitors. The majority of the year-round population lives on either end of the island. Year-Round Population, 2010 U.S. Census: 230 Summer Population Estimate: 1,000 Quick Facts: Acres: 805 Mainland Ferry Terminal: Portland Year-Round Population, 2010 U.S. Census: 91 • Estimated Distance between Mainland and Island Summer Population Estimate: 200 Ferry Docks: 4 miles Acres: 416 • Ferry Service: Casco Bay Lines Transit District Mainland Ferry Terminal: Portland School: K-5 on island, commute to Portland for grades 6-12 • Estimated Distance between Mainland and Island Form of Town Government: Independent Town Ferry Docks: Little Diamond: 2.5 miles Great Diamond: 3 miles Overview of Infrastructure Investments: • Ferry Service: Casco Bay Lines Transit District School: None, students commute to Portland Schools Since 2000 Road improvements/repairs $10,000/yr Form of Town Government: Part of the City of Portland public/ town funds Overview of Infrastructure Investments: 2000 Town-owned public access public dock $67,000 Mid- 2000’s Public Works storage site $40,000 2004 Library-School expansion $947,000 private ($32,500 in town funds)

Overview - 55 Peaks Island Quick Facts:

Peaks Island is the most populated island in Casco Bay. Most people Year-Round Population, 2010 U.S. Census: 864 commute daily to jobs on the mainland as do middle- and high- Summer Population Estimate: 2,000 – 4,000 (with many day trippers) school students. Peaks Island is a popular destination during the Acres: 762 summer for day-trippers who come to walk the trails, take a bike Mainland Ferry Terminal: Portland ride or visit one of the island destinations. There are scattered homes • Estimated Distance between Mainland and Island along the interior and the backshore but, for the most part, these areas Ferry Docks: 2.5 miles remain heavily forested, with much of this area as either city or state • Ferry Service: Casco Bay Lines Transit District park land, or owned by the Peaks Island Land Preserve, including Bat- School: K-5 on island, commute to Portland for 6-12 tery Steele, the largest of the World War II military reservations. Form of Town Government: Part of the City of Portland

In recent years, Peaks has had two failed secession attempts first in Overview of Infrastructure Investments: 2006-2007 and again in 2010-2011. The Portland City Council, with urging from the state and Local Government Committee, established 2000 One sewer project $1,000,000 a seven-person Peaks Island Council to advise the City Council on 2000 Transfer station $350,000 matters affecting Peaks. The initial PIC was formally elected by regis- 2005 Fay Garman House tered Peaks Island voters in the fall of 2007. (Senior Center) $1,700,000 2005 Health Center $330,000 2006 Public bathroom $90,000 2010–11 Paving $200,000 2011 School and Community Center energy efficiency upgrades $250,000 2013 Sewer project to be completed $3,100,000

56 - Overview DOWN EAST Quick Facts: Frenchboro (Long Island) Year-Round Population, 2010 U.S. Census: 61 The town of Frenchboro is located on Long Island, at the entrance Summer Population Estimate: 150 of Blue Hill Bay, eight miles southeast of the town of Bass Harbor on Acres: 2,473 Mount Desert Island. The island is two miles long by a mile and a half Mainland Ferry Terminal: Bass Harbor wide at its widest point, and consists of a total of 2,500 acres, roughly • Estimated Distance between Mainland and 1,000 acres of which are owned by Maine Coast Heritage Trust. The Island Ferry Docks: 8.25 miles lobster fishing around Frenchboro provides families with the majority of • Ferry Service: State Ferry Service their income. Many of the town-related jobs held by residents are done School: K-8 one-room schoolhouse, commute off-island for high school, on a volunteer basis, although municipal positions are paid by the town. usually board off-island Form of Town Government: Independent Town

Overview - 57 The Cranberry Isles Swan’s Island

Great Cranberry is the largest island in the Cranberry Isles, with just Swan’s Island is a large island of some 7,000 acres featuring a highly over 1,000 acres, but it has a smaller population than the village of irregular shoreline that provides secure and interesting anchorages Islesford on Little Cranberry Island. Approximately 40 year-round for fishermen and visiting boaters. The island has three little villages, residents live on Great Cranberry Island, or “Cranberry,” predomi- Atlantic in Mackerel Cove on the north coast, Swan’s Island, on the nantly working in various construction trades or at one of the island’s shores of Burnt Coat Harbor in the south and Minturn. The economy two boatyards that store, repair and build boats. Islesford is a successful of the island is mostly dependent on the income derived from lobster- and vibrant year-round lobstering community with an equally vibrant ing. Swan’s Island has about 40 full-time lobstermen and women, and seasonal community. many part-timers, including school children who fish from small skiffs in the summer. Quick Facts: Quick Facts: Year-Round Population, 2010 U.S. Census: 141 Summer Population Estimate: 275 Year-Round Population, 2010 U.S. Census: 332 Acres: 1,967 Summer Population Estimate: 1,000 Mainland Ferry Terminal: Northwest Harbor Acres: 8,014 • Estimated Distance between Mainland and Island Ferry Mainland Ferry Terminal: Bass Harbor Docks: 2.5 miles to Islesford and an additional 1 mile between • Estimated Distance between Mainland and Island Islesford and Great Cranberry Ferry Docks: 6 miles • Ferry Service: Beal and Bunker (year-round service) • Ferry Service: State Ferry Service School: K-8 two-room schoolhouse on Islesford (Little Cranberry), School: K-8, commute off-island for high school commute off-island for high school Form of Town Government: Independent Town Form of Town Government: Independent Town Overview of Infrastructure Investments: Overview of Infrastructure Investments: 2003 Mill Pond Park acquisition $400,983 2007 Islesford Municipal Garage $250,000 2003 Atlantic fire station $359,697 2009 Great Cranberry Road 2005 Paving $196,440 improvement $130,000 2006 Town Office addition $246,345 2006 Health center/nursery school $240,412 2003-2007 Basketball court $30,713 2007 Stockbridge Stream bridge repair $21,300 2008 Rose Hill Road rebuild $152,660 2001-2010 Lighthouse $399,396 2010-2011 Library $1,137,213 58 - Overview PENOBSCOT BAY

Isle au Haut Islesboro

Isle au Haut, French for “high island” and locally pronounced “i-la- Islesboro is a long, narrow island in Penobscot Bay directly across from HO,” lies in eastern Penobscot Bay, seven miles south of Deer Isle. the town of Lincolnville. With many harbors and coves, the island was Approximately six miles long and two miles wide, over half of Isle au home to the largest commercial shipping fleet in the bay during the Haut’s land mass is owned by Acadia National Park. There is consider- 19th century. Following the Civil War, however, Islesboro developed as able day-tripping traffic into the park, which offers 18 miles of hiking a Gilded Age resort community, and many large summer homes were trails. A long-standing summer colony on the northern end of the built by the wealthy. Their large yachts cruised and raced throughout island accounts for the bulk of the increase in summer population. The the Gulf of Maine. The island hosts a year-round population of lobster- primary industry on the island is lobstering, although many house- men, carpenters, caretakers and other professionals. holds also gain income through carpentry and care-taking. Quick Facts: Quick Facts: Year-Round Population, 2010 U.S. Census: 566 Year-Round Population, 2010 U.S. Census: 73 Summer Population Estimate: 1,000 Summer Population Estimate: 300 Acres: 9,024 Acres: 7,771 Mainland Ferry Terminal: Lincolnville Mainland Ferry Terminal: Stonington • Estimated Distance between Mainland and Island • Estimated Distance between Mainland and Island Ferry Docks: 3 miles Ferry Docks: 7.5 miles • Ferry Service: Maine State Ferry Service • Ferry Service: Nonprofit Boat Service School: K-12 School: K-8 one room school house, commute off-island Form of Town Government: Independent Town for high school Form of Town Government: Independent Town Overview of Infrastructure Investments:

Overview of Infrastructure Investments: 2005 Boardman Cottage $866,000 2009 Island School $8,000,000 2009 New Dock $650,000 2008 Community Center n/a Ongoing Roads paved

Overview - 59 Matinicus Monhegan

Matinicus Island is located approximately 22 miles off the Located approximately 10 miles from the fishing village of Port Clyde, Mon- coast of Rockland. Penobscot Island Air runs two daily mail hegan harbor is bordered by two islands; Monhegan and Manana. Three- flights to Matinicus five days a week, weather permitting. quarters of the island of Monhegan is protected by a conservation ease- Ferry service is limited and the crossing is 2¼ hours, the ment. The clustered village connected by pathways is visited by thousands longest crossing to any of the year-round islands. There are of tourists and artists each summer, who hike the high bluffs, deep forests no stores or restaurants on the island; groceries are either and rocky shores to gain their own personal and artistic inspirations. Mon- ordered by fax and flown in by plane or purchased on the hegan remains a vibrant year-round lobstering community. The island is mainland. Electricity is generated on-island, and fuel is de- surrounded with the Monhegan Lobster Conservation Zone, an area where livered by barge. The main industry on the island is lobster only Monhegan fishermen can set traps, that was granted to the island by fishing and there are some seasonal businesses and several the state legislature. The legislature also granted Monhegan’s fishing fleet a resident authors. special winter lobstering season in the 1930s.

Quick Facts: While Monhegan is technically in Muscongus Bay, not Penobscot Bay, we have included it here because it is generally associated with the other islands Year-Round Population, 2010 U.S. Census: 74 in the Penobscot embayment. Summer Population Estimate: 100 Acres: 814 Quick Facts: Mainland Ferry Terminal: Rockland • Estimated Distance between Mainland Year-Round Population, 2010 U.S. Census: 69 and Island Ferry Docks: 23 miles Summer Population Estimate: 250 (plus day-trippers) • Ferry Service: Maine State Ferry Service Acres: 513 School: K-8 one-room schoolhouse, high-school students Mainland Ferry Terminal: Port Clyde must go off-island and board • Estimated Distance between Mainland and Island Form of Town Government: Plantation (within the Land Ferry Docks: 11 miles Use Regulatory Commission) • Ferry Service: Private School: K-8 one-room schoolhouse, high-school students must go off-island Overview of Infrastructure Investments: Form of Town Government: Plantation (within the Land Use Regulatory 2010-12 Airstrip Commission) improvements $175,000 80/20 match Overview of Infrastructure Investments: 2000-10 Affordable Housing $1,000,000 2009 Wharf improvements ~$400,000

60 - Overview North Haven Overview of Infrastructure Investments:

North Haven is a year-round island community located in the middle 2002 Water Treatment Plant $2,400,000 of Penobscot Bay, roughly 12 miles from the mainland. The history 2004 Waterman’s Community Center $3,000,000 of North Haven is based on the natural resources that drove—and 2006 Island-wide repaving $2,500,000 continue to drive—the local and regional economy, especially the 2007 Town Garage renovation $60,000 fishing resources. Lobster fishing continues to play an important role 2008 North Haven Community School $8,300,000 in the economy of the island, and residents also engage in a variety of 2008 Sewer remediation project $750,000 other service-oriented businesses. Many current residents can trace 2009 North Haven their families back to the town’s earliest days. North Haven still enjoys Historical Society $883,000 many of the benefits from its past as a small town with a strong sense 2009 North Haven Fitness of community where people look out for one another. & Wellness Center $50,000 2010 Town Office renovation $200,000 Quick Facts: 2007 – 11 Sustainable housing $850,000

Year-Round Population, 2010 U.S. Census: 355 Summer Population Estimate: 1,000 Acres: 7,236 Mainland Ferry Terminal: Rockland • Estimated Distance between Mainland and Island Ferry Docks: 12.5 miles • Ferry Service: Maine State Ferry Service School: K-12 Form of Town Government: Independent Town

Overview - 61 Vinalhaven Overview of Infrastructure Investments:

Vinalhaven, 12 miles from Rockland as the bird flies, is the largest is- 2003 Island school $14 million land in Penobscot Bay both geographically and demographically. The 2004 New fire truck $180,945 island community is clustered around the busy commercial port of 2004 Washington School $527,928 Carver’s Harbor where over 200 sleek, fast and traditionally-designed renovation for lobster boats are moored. The history of Vinalhaven goes all the way town offices back to the Native Americans who visited the island almost 5,000 2004 -Present Fire station/ $290,712 years ago. The island was settled by the English in the 1700s and, in public safety building 1846, the communities of Vinalhaven and neighboring North Haven 2005 Wastewater $9,752,330 officially split to become separate island communities. Vinalhaven treatment plant became a leading producer of granite in the 1800s, and is sustained & collection system today by the lobster-rich waters of Penobscot Bay. Library addition $805,188 2005-2006 Road paving project $1,515,702 Quick Facts: Main Street $72,290 parking lot Year-Round Population, 2010 U.S. Census: 1,165 2006-2007 New police cruiser $30,589 Summer Population Estimate: 2,200 2007 Airport runway $66,548 Acres: 14,392 Carver’s Cemetery, $30,000 Mainland Ferry Terminal: Rockland rebuild stone wall • Estimated Distance between Mainland and Island 2007-2010 Browns Head $25,376 Ferry Docks: 15 miles Lighthouse renovations • Ferry Service: Maine State Ferry Service 2008 Road paving project $160,835 School: K-12 2009 New dump truck $84,890 Form of Town Government: Independent Town with plow Carrying Place $57,341 bridge repairs 2009 Fox Islands Wind $14.5 million 2009-2010 East Main Street $151,460 sidewalk project 2010 New Ford F450 $136,025 ambulance Town wharf $114,816 improvements 2011 Road paving project $515,750 Airport runway $61,862

62 - Overview

386 Main Street • Rockland, Maine 04841 www.islandinstitute.org • (207) 594-9209